How Cruise Drinks Packages Work
Most major cruise lines offer an all-inclusive drinks package that covers alcoholic and premium non-alcoholic beverages for a fixed daily rate. Prices typically range from £25 to £70 per person per day, depending on the cruise line and the tier of package. You usually need to purchase the package for the entire duration of your cruise, and on many lines, both adults in a cabin must buy the same package. Packages generally cover drinks up to a certain value per glass — usually £8-12 — and exclude premium bottles, vintage wines, and certain speciality cocktails.
Before committing, check what is already included in your fare. Celebrity Cruises' Always Included fare, for example, bundles a Classic Drinks Package. MSC's all-inclusive fares often cover house wines, beers, and spirits. If your fare already includes drinks, paying extra for an upgrade package may not represent good value.
The Break-Even Calculation
To work out whether a drinks package is worth it, divide the daily package cost by the average price of a drink onboard. On most cruise lines, a pint of beer costs £5-7, a glass of wine £7-10, and a cocktail £8-13. If the package costs £55 per day, you would need roughly 6-8 alcoholic drinks per day to break even. Remember to factor in non-alcoholic drinks too — speciality coffees, smoothies, and bottled water are typically covered and cost £3-6 each.
On port-heavy itineraries where you spend most of the day ashore, reaching the break-even point is harder. On sea days, when you are on the ship all day, it is much easier. If your itinerary has several sea days and you enjoy a few drinks at lunch and dinner plus cocktails in the evening, the package will likely save you money.
Best Value Drinks Packages by Cruise Line
MSC Cruises offers some of the most competitively priced drinks packages, starting from around £25-35 per day on their Easy and Premium tiers. This makes breaking even straightforward for moderate drinkers. Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package costs more at £50-65 per day but covers cocktails up to $12. P&O Cruises offers drinks-inclusive promotions on select sailings rather than a standalone package, which can be excellent value when available.
Celebrity Cruises' Always Included fare bundles a Classic Drinks Package covering wines, beers, and spirits up to $9 per serving. Norwegian Cruise Line's Free At Sea promotion often includes a Premium Beverage Package worth $109/day. For NCL passengers, the included package represents outstanding value if you would not have purchased it separately.
Advantages of a Drinks Package
The biggest advantage of a drinks package is peace of mind. You can order whatever you like without worrying about a mounting bar tab. This is particularly valuable if you enjoy trying different cocktails or wines with dinner. Many passengers find they try drinks they would never have ordered if paying per glass, which enhances the holiday experience.
Packages also simplify budgeting. You know exactly what your cruise will cost before you board, with no surprise bill at the end. For couples or groups, this can remove potential friction around spending. Additionally, most packages include premium coffees, fresh juices, and bottled water — everyday drinks that add up surprisingly quickly over a week or two.
When a Drinks Package Is Not Worth It
If you are a light drinker — one glass of wine at dinner and perhaps a cocktail before bed — the numbers rarely stack up. You would be better off paying per drink. The same applies if your itinerary is port-intensive with early mornings and late returns, leaving little time for onboard drinking. Families with teenagers often find packages poor value, as teens obviously cannot use the alcohol element.
Some passengers also feel the package encourages overconsumption. If you are the type of person who would drink more simply because it is included, consider whether that aligns with how you want to spend your holiday. Finally, if you prefer premium wines or vintage champagnes, these are often excluded from standard packages, reducing the value further.
Tips for Getting the Best Deal
Book your drinks package before you sail — pre-cruise prices are typically 10-20% cheaper than buying onboard. Look for cruise line promotions during Wave Season (January to March) when drinks packages are frequently offered as free add-ons or at significant discounts. If booking with a travel agent, ask whether they can include a drinks package as a booking incentive.
Consider sharing a package strategically. On lines where both cabin occupants must purchase the same package, calculate whether a lower-tier package plus a few premium drinks purchased separately might be cheaper. Some cruise lines also offer wine packages (a set number of bottles delivered to your cabin) that can be more cost-effective for wine lovers who mainly drink at dinner.